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Solidarity For Change 2024: IPPF ESEAOR Regional Gathering and Youth Forum Highlights

Engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, and a dynamic exchange of ideas on the developments, challenges, and opportunities in the region.

In a powerful display of unity, 100 representatives—including executive directors, youth leaders, and partners from 22 Member Associations across East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania—gathered in Iloilo City, Philippines, to discuss regional priorities for advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice (SRHRJ). Under the theme “Solidarity for Change,” the Regional Gathering and Youth Forum provided a transformative platform filled with engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, and a dynamic exchange of ideas on the developments, challenges, and opportunities. 

In her opening remarks, Tomoko Fukuda, IPPF ESEAOR Regional Director, set the tone with a resounding call to action. She acknowledged the progress made but urged against complacency in the face of rising opposition, restrictive laws, and climate crises impacting marginalised communities. “We must unite in solidarity, stand up, and speak out to advance SRHR for all, confronting these ever-evolving challenges head-on.” She encouraged participants to share knowledge, learn from each other, and amplify their collective impact. 

Karl Vincent M. Quiepo, President of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), emphasised FPOP’s commitment to expanding access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Iloilo City, focusing on HIV treatment and trans-health services. “Our collaboration with the City and Provincial Governments of Iloilo and support from donor organisations have been vital in reaching those who need us most and making a lasting impact,” he said. 

Delivering the keynote address, Lisa Grace Bersales, Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Population and Development (CPD), identified three global megatrends—climate change, demographic shifts, and digitalisation—as transformative forces with significant regional implications. She emphasised the importance of addressing the SRHR needs of women and girls, particularly in access to contraception. “It is essential for us to work together in solidarity, with private sector partners and civil society organisations, to drive the positive changes our communities need,” she stated.

Navigating Challenges: Countering Opposition and Narrative Change

Across the Asia Pacific, coordinated and well-funded opposition to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has intensified, driven by global anti-rights movements. Stigma and discrimination, restrictive laws, and limited access to services further create a challenging landscape.

In a landmark move in 2023, the Cook Islands repealed a section of its Crimes Act that criminalised homosexuality—a significant victory for the local LGBTI+ community. This breakthrough followed years of advocacy led by the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) and other local organisations dedicated to dismantling discriminatory laws despite strong resistance from religious institutions and backlash against international support.

Building on this milestone, CIFWA is advancing another critical agenda: safe abortion access. Through small group discussions with youth, women, and community leaders, CIFWA aims to shift abortion from criminal law to health policy. “Shifting abortion to the health domain is essential,” said Rongo File, Executive Director of CIFWA. “We’re gaining crucial support from local stakeholders as we work closely with the Ministry of Health to make this policy shift a reality.”

Daile Kelleher, CEO of Family Planning Alliance Australia (FPAA), outlined key challenges in countering opposition to reproductive rights, including legislative restrictions, anti-choice influence, and limited funding. To tackle these obstacles, she highlighted the importance of national guidelines, tailored messaging guides for various audiences, and clear position statements to convey core values. Kelleher also stressed building strong alliances, engaging decision-makers, and leveraging global connections to strengthen advocacy.

Recognising the media’s role in shaping narratives and countering opposition, IPPF ESEAOR established a strategic partnership with the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) to support rights-based narratives. At the recent 19th Asia Media Summit, IPPF led a workshop on Content Production for Reproductive Justice and Human Rights in the Asia Pacific, covering crisis reporting, countering disinformation, amplifying community voices, and solutions journalism. Emphasis was placed on ethical media coverage, networking journalists, and fostering impactful storytelling across platforms.

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Strengthening Partnerships: Expanding Access to Reproductive Health in Iloilo

The launch of the Family Planning and Wellness Clinic in the municipality of Pavia, Iloilo Province, brought together representatives from Member Associations (MAs), youth leaders, collaborative partners, and stakeholders. This new clinic marks a vital step forward in expanding reproductive health services and access for the local community.

“Our collaboration with the FPOP Iloilo Chapter is rooted in a shared commitment to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and allows us to extend essential services,” said Harold Alfred P. Marshall, Regional Director of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI. “Together, we aim to reach over 70,000 community members, ensuring care reaches those who need it most.”

Mona Liza S. Diones, Chapter Program Manager of FPOP Iloilo, expressed her enthusiasm about the clinic's opening: “This new facility, an extension of our main clinic, enables us to expand HIV testing and treatment, youth-friendly care, maternal and adolescent health, family planning, and comprehensive health check-ups. We are truly grateful for this opportunity to bring healthcare closer to those we serve.”

As the coordinating and policy-making body, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) leads population programs that advance the nation’s socioeconomic growth. The clinic’s launch aligns with the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028, a strategic framework designed to foster inter-agency cooperation, leverage demographic opportunities, and address emerging challenges. 

Reflecting on his recent appointment to the Commission on Population and Development Board, Nandy A. Senoc, Executive Director of FPOP, shared: “This presidential appointment reinforces FPOP’s role as a key stakeholder and trusted government partner in advancing reproductive rights. Bringing essential services directly to communities like Iloilo is a responsibility we embrace as we work to support population and development goals.”

For more details on the event launch, click HERE.

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Empowering Change-Makers: Youth Leadership in Action

The youth forum brought critical voices to the forefront, setting clear goals for the Youth SRHR Network in East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific (YSNAP) and the newly launched Youth Oceanic Consortium for Engagement, Advocacy, and Networking in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Justice (Youth OCEANs).

“Our focus is clear: to learn, to strengthen bonds, and to lift each other,” shared Dadchaneeya Ruttanasiri, Chairperson of YSNAP. “We’re here to build a strong youth network that leads with purpose—developing actionable strategies and creating inclusive, supportive spaces, with clear priorities for the year ahead.”

In the Asia Pacific region, home to over 60% of the world’s youth, investing in gender equality remains a critical need. IPPF’s Come Together Strategic Plan 2028 - champions a youth-led approach, focusing on education, healthcare, and tackling discrimination. This framework empowers young people to drive SRHR advocacy and build inclusive, stigma-free communities.

For many youth leaders, the regional event was a powerful reminder of the strength of collaborating across diverse backgrounds. “Youth friendships and partnerships have grown stronger as we tackle issues affecting the Pacific and beyond,” added Mareva Cameron, President of Youth OCEANs from the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA). “A key highlight was our focus on gender diversity policy and the valuable insights from our Pacific region, which brought a much-needed perspective to the conversation.”

The forum promoted deeper connections among youth participants, aiming to enhance their knowledge of safeguarding practices, gender inclusivity, and effective social media advocacy. Through interactive sessions, youth representatives set clear priorities and gained practical tools to drive sustainable, region-specific change centred on localisation and decolonisation.

"Decolonising youth policies is about driving a more inclusive agenda on sexuality and youth rights," said Melissa Lee, a youth representative from the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations in Malaysia and YSNAP. "It’s about bringing diverse cultural perspectives into focus and ensuring that policymaking reflects intersectionality."

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Community Engagement and Supporting Social Movements

IPPF is committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) by actively supporting marginalised communities—LGBTQIA+ individuals, sex workers, people who use drugs, migrants, ethnic and religious minorities, and people with disabilities. “By prioritising marginalised voices, we ensure that our initiatives truly reflect the lived realities and needs of diverse communities,” says Luca Stevenson, IPPF’s Global Lead for Community Engagement and Partnerships.

The Sex Worker Policy Consortium, led by the Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT), is dedicated to advancing the rights of sex workers. The consortium advocates for the decriminalisation of sex work by working to repeal punitive laws and implement policies that enhance welfare, working conditions, and protections for sex workers across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In partnership with influential networks like the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP), the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW), and RedTraSex, a coalition of female sex workers in 15 Latin American countries, the consortium strengthens community representation and supports leadership development.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA) is addressing critical SRHR needs among underserved communities with a focus on women and transgender individuals who use drugs in Greater Jakarta. Responding to issues such as contraception, STI prevention, and mental health support, the project aims to close service gaps identified through community engagement and data analysis. The project’s needs assessment revealed significant barriers, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to gender-affirming care, particularly for transgender individuals. With a gender-sensitive, inclusive approach and collaboration with local civil society organisations to promote community-driven solutions, ensuring accessible healthcare for marginalised groups.

Building on a commitment to empowering communities, IPPF ESEAOR and IPPF South Asia recently brought together young activists in the South-South Dialogue to empower LGBTIQA+ leaders in the Asia Pacific. The dialogue emphasised partnerships, intersectional advocacy, and connecting SRHR with broader climate and justice issues.
 

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A Life-Course Approach to Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health

The World Population Prospects 2024 report projects that the global population will peak at around 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s, then decline slightly to approximately 10.2 billion by 2100—6% lower than anticipated. This shift is linked to declining fertility rates, with many regions experiencing birth rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. Nearly 20% of countries now report “ultra-low” fertility rates of fewer than 1.4 children per woman.

Dr. Kamal Kenny, Chairperson of the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) highlights the need for SRHR policies that embrace digital platforms to expand education and accessibility. “As SRHR evolves, we must use digital outreach and provide support across all life stages to build a truly comprehensive framework,” he states, emphasising that effective policies must address the diverse needs of communities.

The life-course model is central to this comprehensive approach, especially in promoting ‘healthy ageing.’ This model considers physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Essential SRH needs like menopause management, genital prolapse care, cancer screenings, and bone health are crucial components. Dr Mona Lam, Executive Director of the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) adds, “Addressing funding and professional expertise gaps and reducing stigma are critical steps toward fostering inclusivity.”

A recent survey on fertility-related services and SRHR for the ageing population among ESEAOR Member Associations highlights essential interventions to expand these services. Key priorities include training healthcare providers, financial support, and subsidies for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Public awareness, stigma-reduction campaigns, and psychological and emotional support are critical for comprehensive care. Establishing partnerships with fertility clinics, enhancing health infrastructure, and providing affordable lab services for initial assessments are equally important.

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Building Resilience: Climate Change Challenges, Strategies and Opportunities

Global statistics reveal a stark reality: between 55% and 60% of preventable maternal deaths occur in areas affected by disaster, conflict, or displacement, while over 70% of women and girls in crisis settings experience sexual and gender-based violence—significantly higher than the 35% rate reported globally in other contexts. The increasing frequency of disasters and conflicts driving these crises highlights the urgent need for improved coordination and localised responses within the humanitarian sector.

Riziel Castro, Humanitarian Program Coordinator at the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), emphasised the importance of a rights-based approach to climate resilience, stating, “leveraging collaboration across different sectors—population, health, environment, and education—builds comprehensive adaptation strategies that take gender and reproductive rights into account. A gender-sensitive approach strengthens the resilience of marginalised communities.”

Julius Ssenabulya, Executive Director of the Vanuatu Family Health Association (VFHA), shared valuable insights with delegates on VFHA's humanitarian response to twin Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. Reflecting on how climate change intensifies humanitarian challenges, Julius noted the specific effects on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), particularly for young people who face increased barriers during crises. "We always find ways to improve our services," he shared, "a good opportunity for reflection," emphasising the need to adapt and transform their strategies to meet these evolving demands.

To effectively address these challenges, prioritising funding for local organisations, fostering partnerships, building capacities, and ensuring active participation in coordination mechanisms is essential. Strengthening these areas enables timely response to emergencies, like the recurring typhoons in the Philippines and enhances resilience and impact. Engaging donors and influencing policy-making are vital steps to secure long-term support, allowing humanitarian efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities and improve response capabilities in high-risk areas.

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The Solidarity for Change 2024 Regional Gathering and Youth Forum highlighted the critical need for unified action and collaborative strategies to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice (SRHRJ) across East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Through open dialogue and a commitment to practical solutions, participants renewed their focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing marginalised communities—issues that demand resilience, solidarity, and approaches rooted in local contexts.

Moving forward, the insights and partnerships established at this forum are set to build impactful alliances, foster community-led solutions, and uphold a shared vision for inclusivity and justice.


For more information, contact:
Malarvili Meganathan
Regional Communications, Voice and Media Advisor
[email protected]

Social media posts and daily highlights videos can be accessed HERE.

Photos by: Florence Lee for IPPF ESEAOR
[email protected]